Paul had the gift of walking into a room full of strangers and walk out with a new friend or two. If you put him in a room by himself, he would have a party. He had a big personality accompanied by a bigger smile. His loves:  49ers, pasta, wine, skiing, fishing and most importantly, family.

With angels aplenty waiting for him to come home, he passed peacefully on October 28, 2021, at the age of 70, surrounded by his wife and daughter.  Born in Gilroy on September 22, 1951, the youngest of four children, he was preceded in death by his parents MJ (Michael John) and Marian Filice. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary, daughter Regina Taber and son-in-law Mike Taber. He was Nonnuzzu to his two beautiful granddaughters, Lucille Marian and Margaret Norma.  He will be missed by his siblings Diane Bozzo, Michael Filice (Leslie) and Tim Filice (Janice), as well as a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.  It is comforting to know that he is with his family in heaven, making new friends, cooking pasta with a glass of pinot and a big smile.

Paul attended St. Mary School in Gilroy, his freshman year at Bellarmine High School in San Jose and transferred to Palma High School in Salinas, graduating in 1969. He continued his education at Gavilan College and graduated from Fresno State with a Viticulture degree.

Growing up in a wine-making family in Gilroy, Paul cared for vineyards that he loved through most of his life.  He made a career change in the early 1980's and became a general contractor, building homes in Gilroy and Hollister.  In 1994 the family relocated to the Monterey Peninsula where he proceeded to build custom homes.

He was involved in the inception of the first Garlic Festival, held the position of Secretary and was a cook in Gourmet Alley for many years.  As a parent he helped start the Blue & White Auction for St. Mary School. He was a Eucharistic Minister and Lecturer for St. Angela's Parish in Pacific Grove and later Carmel Mission Basilica in Carmel.

His love of being amongst the vines called him to a vineyard management company in Healdsburg and moved north to once again pursue his passion.  Ultimately his cancer diagnosis in 2015 led to his early retirement. His faith in God and always positive attitude aided him in his fight.  Wanting to live next to the ski slopes and fish in the Truckee River, he and Mary moved to Reno, Nevada in 2018. His bucket list was long…his life too short.

The family is grateful for the care he was given throughout his battle.  Doctor Jeffrey Wolf at UCSF, Doctors Michael Koontz and Roger Shiffman at Pacific Cancer Care in Monterey, Doctor Emily Guerard at Cancer Care Specialists in Reno and nurse Melissa Wells.

Memorial Mass to be held at 11:00 AM, St. Mary Church, 11 First Street Gilroy on November 8, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider making a gift in Paul's memory.

Please visit:  www.makeagift.ucsf.edu/grandmmti 

Or send a donation payable to "UCSF Foundation"

UCSF Foundation

PO Box 45339

San Francisco, CA 94145